Sign up to subscribe

Selected Pork

Pig farms throughout Scotland are being visited by Scottish SPCA inspectors as part of a ground-breaking initiative welcomed by the Scottish pig industry.

History will be made when a new brand of pork from Scottish farms, ‘Specially Selected Pork Approved by Scottish SPCA,’ this month makes its debut on supermarket shelves and butchers' counters with Asda, supplied by Vion Halls.

The initiative, developed by a partnership of Quality Meat Scotland and the Scottish SPCA, is on course to see hundreds of Scottish pig farms inspected and approved by the animal welfare charity.

The move is the UK's first farm assurance and food labelling scheme independently approved by a national animal welfare charity. Participation is voluntary and it is expected the vast majority of pig farms in Scotland, more than 200, will become involved. Already pig farms producing more than 4,000 pigs per week have been inspected by the Scottish SPCA.

Dr Chris Brown, Asda's Head of Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing said, "ASDA is a major supporter of the Scottish pig industry and we believe that this partnership with Scottish SPCA and QMS will be a real benefit to Scottish pig farmers, processors and customers."

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said: “While celebrating Scottish Food and Drink fortnight, it is a welcome reminder that we have first class standards from farm to fork. The Scottish Government has been working with QMS and the industry to deliver that message to the public.

"The scheme will deliver real benefits and reassurance to consumers and provide a further welcome boost for our valued pig sector."